Today in History: Juan Ponce de León

The government of Spain donated this statue of Juan Ponce de Leon in downtown Miami, Florida
Today in History–September 27–the Library of Congress features Juan Ponce de León, who was granted permission to settle Bimini Island and Florida on this day in 1514.  Seven years later, in 1521, Ponce de León sailed from Puerto Rico to Florida with two ships, two hundred men, fifty horses, as well as other domestic animals and agricultural tools. Unfortunately, the party was attacked by Seminole Indians and Ponce de León was wounded; an infection resulted and he died later that year in Cuba. Find out more  by visiting  the Today in History section, then click the links below to uncover related resources.

Juan Ponce de León portrait

Books related to Juan Ponce de León

Legislation related to Ponce de León

Images of Ponce de Leon, Florida

Images of Ponce de Leon, Puerto Rico

Cuba & Florida: Exploration on a Historical Connection 1539-1991 (streaming webcast)

Spanish Florida (online exhibition)

State Spotlight: Florida primary source collections

Explorer primary source collections

Hispanic teaching resources and primary & secondary sources